Getting sober isn’t easy.
For those who have never struggled with addiction, making the decision to omit alcohol from their lives may be a walk in the park, but for those of us who have, it’s one of the hardest things we will ever have to do.
But there’s a reason we do. And that is due to the message of hope we hear from thousands of others just like us who have been able to stop and are living happy, joyous, and free lives.
In fact, here are just 37 ways getting sober has changed my life:
1. I wake up in the morning without a hang over.
2. In my own bed. (no more walks of shame or wondering if he’ll call!)
3. And I remember what I did the night before.
4. I don’t have to call anyone in the morning and apologize for my shameful behavior.
5. or for throwing up in their car.
6. I also have all of my belongings which means I don’t have to go hunting for my phone or new leather jacket or a lost shoe (don’t even ask how that one happened)
7. I am present in the moment.
8. I actually care about others instead of only myself.
9. I actively listen when people are talking instead of waiting to speak.
10. I go out of my way to see how friends or family members are doing instead of waiting for them to see how I am.
11. I instinctually want to help people when I am out and see they are in need.
12. I feel empathy for others who are hurting instead of feeling only consumed by my own pain.
13. I pay my bills on time.
14. I am more responsible with my money.
15. I am helpful. I used to let everyone around me do all the work.
16. I find joy in the simple things.
17. I am grateful. I choose gratitude now over constantly complaining about what I don’t have.
18. I am less selfish. I try to focus more of my time on other people rather than myself.
19. I am less critical of myself.
20. I am less judgmental of others.
21. I am much more patient, tolerant, and kind.
22. I don’t have panic attacks anymore.
23. I am no longer fearful for my future.
24. I no longer regret my past or hide in shame about anything I have done. I know I have made mistakes, I have learned from them, and I have made right where I have been wrong. I have forgiven myself.
25. I don’t worry incessantly about money like I used to.
26. I no longer hold onto grudges with people.
27. I apologize when I make a mistake.
28. I believe in myself.
29. I don’t try to please everyone anymore.
30. I don’t try so hard to be “impressive”
31. I am slower to anger.
32. I pray and meditate daily.
33. I smile more.
34. I try not to take myself so seriously.
35. I have boundaries. (This one’s important)
36. I don’t over commit!
37. I overthink a lot less.
38. I actually answer my phone. I literally used to panic when my phone rang.
39. I feel my feelings. Feelings? What are those?
40. I smell the roses. Ahhhh. Nature, how I missed thee.
41. I write. Writing has saved my life.
42. I sing.
43. I dance. Like nobody is watching!
44. I run. Because endorphins.
45. I laugh. Nothing is better than real, authentic, sober laughter.
46. I play with my niece. The best gift in the world is being able to be present for her!
47. I listen to music. Music is incredibly therapeutic.
48. I spend time with my family. Sometimes they drive me crazy, but I love that crazy bunch 🙂
49. I cook. I nourish and love my body with healthy, nutritious food.
50. I sleep through the night.
51. I read. WOW! I can actually concentrate now!
52. I go to bed before midnight and wake up before noon. This coming from a chronic night owl…
53. I tell the truth. I used to lie about the dumbest stuff, I didn’t even realize how much I did it.
54. I call my grandparents to see how they’re doing.
55. I do the right things.
56. I show up.
57. I go to church.
58. I feel God. His presence is stronger than ever before and not at all what I was so afraid of all my life. He loves me unconditionally and is the only reason I have been able to remain sober.
59. I feel loved. I feel more loved in a way I never did before. I drank to fill the hole inside me that craved such love before and now that hole is filled with God’s perfect love.
Sobriety has changed my life beyond what I ever dreamed was possible.
I used to cry at night and wish that God would take my life because I couldn’t go on living the way I was, but I had no idea how to stop.
It truly is a miracle I am sober today, and that miracle is possible for you, too.
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Thank you!
<3 Sister Kate